Finding & applying for further study

Finding opportunities

How, when, and where further study opportunities are advertised varies. Unlike for undergraduate study, there is not (in most cases) one centralised application system and deadline. There are some key exceptions to this, however, particularly for some professional qualifications (teaching being one example), so do check.

Generally, you will apply directly to the course provider, whether that be a university or other provider.

When applying directly to course providers, application deadlines and timescales will vary. Most providers will accept applications and offer places on a rolling basis until the course is full. This can mean that more popular, or smaller programmes can fill up early, and sometimes far in advance of advertised deadlines, so always contact the provider to check if they advise early application.

Finding further academic study

  • FindaPhD and Findamasters both have global listings, but are more widely used in some countries than others
  • Jobs.ac.uk advertises PhD studentships as well as university jobs
  • Prospects has country by country guides to studying abroad

Finding professional qualifications

  • Where specific qualifications are required for a career, these are generally accredited by a professional or regulatory body. Search for professional bodies related to your career interests or use job profiles on Prospects or My World of Work to find relevant qualifications and/or professional bodies

Other further study

  • The many other forms of further study, such as short courses, online courses, micro-credentials, bootcamps and more can be found in multiple places. Try searching online, or asking people in your role or industry of interest if they have recommendations
  • Before embarking on any such course, particularly if there is a cost to you, make sure you research it thoroughly to check its quality, that it is right for you and that it will provide what you are hoping it to do. Doing further study can be a great way to learn additional skills, or topics, but much of it is not independently accredited. Such courses can also be a great way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to a potential employer, but non-accredited courses or qualifications are less likely to be officially recognised by them